If you can, try to make it personal - tell them why you care about ending violence against women.

Remember to ask your MP: Will you commit to attending the Third Reading of the Istanbul Convention Bill on Friday 24 February 2017 - and voting in favour of it?

Call your MP

Calling your MP is a great way to tell them why you think they should support the Bill. You can find their details their details on the UK parliament website.

Remember to ask your MP: Will you commit to attending the Third Reading of the Istanbul Convention Bill on Friday 24 February 2017 - and voting in favour of it?

South Thanet MP, Craig Mackinlay - didn't show up last time. Let him know you want him to do so this time. Levels of violence against women are disproportionately high in Thanet.

For every 1,000 people in Thanet 24.7 domestic abuse incidents were recorded which is the highest in Kent, compared to Medway who were second in the chart at 20.5 and the Kent-wide average at 16.3.

**********************************

There are a range of support services for victims of violence. If you or someone you know needs support, please get in touch or pass on details of support services. If you are worried about your own behaviour, see details below also.

One Stop Shop - Margate

Domestic Abuse One Stop Shops offer free advice, information and support from a range of agencies under one roof to help victims of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can affect anyone and therefore, if you are a man or a woman and would like to discuss your issues, you are welcome to attend. No appointment is required just turn up.

Women’s Aid Guide: ‘Digital stalking: a guide to technology risks for victims’ explains the wide range of technological risks for those being stalked, including use of Spyware on personal computers, tracking devices on mobile phones and tracking of information through social networking sites.

This 12 session group programme for men aims to explore and address abusive and controlling behaviour within heterosexual intimate relationships. The group will increase your awareness of the effects of your behaviour on partners and children, whilst developing the skills you need to reduce harm and to maintain respectful relationships.

The first session will be an individual session to introduce you to the programme and the group leaders. You will also have an opportunity to discuss any other questions you have. You will be asked to sign an agreement which sets out the expectations for attending the group.

Provisional Start Dates & Locations:

February 2017 in Maidstone areaJune 2017 in Medway areaSeptember 2017 in Thanet area

There is no cost to attend the group, however group members will be expected to attend ALL sessions.

An agency may have told you about this group, however you will need to take the next step yourself and ring the number given below to find out more about the group. You may then be offered a telephone interview to decide if this is the right group for you.

If you are interested in joining the group please ring the number below and leave your name and contact number:

01227 812531

Additional groups and locations may be arranged should there be a demand for this; to register your interest call the number above. Leave a message including your name and contact number so that your call can be returned as soon as possible.

27 Week Domestic Abuse Programme (CDAP)

The Community Domestic Abuse Programme is a rolling programme of evening sessions. It is designed to help men who feel their behaviour towards their partner has been, or is still, abusive. Kent CDAP challenges that behaviour and shows you how it affects your partner or ex-partner and any children that may be involved.

We know it can be tough facing up to difficult problems. This programme will support you to make the changes you need to develop respectful, non-abusive relationships so that you are safe around your partner and any children

The 27-week evening programme focuses on the intentions, beliefs and effects underpinning domestic abuse, including learning strategies for overcoming abusive and controlling behaviour. Partners of participants are supported throughout the programme.

The first step is to decide if you want to change your behaviour. After that, contact us and we will offer an interview to assess your suitability.